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A clear head, a clean performance

A clear head, a clean performance

Canada’s Patrick Chan sets record in short program at world figure skating

By Lori Ewing

MOSCOW — A clear head, a clean performance — and perhaps a few games of Old Maid — are all that stands between Canada’s Patrick Chan and his first world title.

The 20-year-old from Toronto laid down a dazzling world-record performance in the short program Wednesday in his bid for the crown, building a lead so large that one of his competitors said it might take “a miracle” to beat him.

Now, it’s all about keeping his wits about him.

“I think for me, being a very fun and easily distracted skater, it’s very important for me to stay focused on my goals,” said Chan, who played a couple of quick Old Maid card games with his coach Christy Krall moments before taking the ice — a tactic the two have adopted to counter the pressure.